Riding a four-match win streak and with nine wins in its last 11 matches, Illinois State has crashed the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Central Region rankings for the first time this season at No. 10.
The Redbirds, 17-8, trail four nationally ranked teams, including the No. 1 team in the nation, Nebraska, plus upcoming opponent Northern Iowa. The Panthers, No. 5 in the region, are just two spaces out of the Top 25 in the national poll. The Redbirds and Panthers meet at 7 p.m. Friday in Redbird Arena.
The eight regional polls are conducted bi-weekly by vote of a panel of coaches in each region. The polls also are viewed by the NCAA Volleyball Tournament Committee during deliberations for at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament.
The Central Region includes teams from the Missouri Valley, Big 12, Mid-Continent and Southland Conferences.
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AVCA Coaches
Central Region Poll
Through Matches of Nov. 12, 2000
1. Nebraska 24-0
2. Kansas State 18-6
3. Missouri 21-5
4. Texas A&M 16-7
5. Northern Iowa 24-4
6. Colorado 13-10
7. Texas Tech 22-6
8. Southwest Texas State 29-3
9. Oral Roberts 18-10
10. Illinois State 17-8
